Penn Twp. firefighter treated for heat exhaustion in early morning fire

PENN TOWNSHIP – A Penn Township firefighter was loaded onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital after the assistant chief says he suffered from heat exhaustion early Wednesday morning.

“He’s apparently feeling some of the effects of fighting the fire. He went in, and of course it’s kind of muggy tonight so that may have played a role. But, we heard he’s in ok condition and getting evaluated,” said Assistant Chief John Snyder.

Snyder said he went to the hospital and visited the firefighter. At last check he was waiting for lab results but expected to be released later Wednesday.

The fire sparked around 12:30 a.m. at a home on State Road 331, just south of Dragoon Trail. The original call came in as smoke in the basement, but crews found heavy flames in the garage.

“It looks like there were at least two vehicles, and maybe an ATV in the car port area that is immediately next to the house, and  the fire seems to be contained in that area,” said Snyder.

The home sustained some smoke damage. No word on what sparked the fire, but Snyder said it does not appear suspicious.

Investigators are expected to return to the scene later Wednesday to try and pinpoint the cause.